Statement by the Taoiseach on the death of former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.

I was saddened to learn of the death this morning of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Mrs Thatcher was a formidable political leader who had a significant impact on British, European and world politics. During her eleven years as Prime Minister, she defined an era in British public life.

While her period of office came at a challenging time for British-Irish relations, when the violent conflict in Northern Ireland was at its peak, Mrs Thatcher signed the Anglo-Irish Agreement which laid the foundation for improved North-South cooperation and ultimately the Good Friday Agreement.

I extend my deepest sympathies to her family and the Prime Minister David Cameron.